Most bear sightings in Missouri involve foraging

May 3, 2012

Written by

Francis

SKALICKY

Black bear sightings are more common in spring and summer around Missouri. / Department of Conservation

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Fish-catching, turkey hunting and mushroom-finding may be the events most outdoors enthusiasts associate with an Ozarks spring, but seeing bears is increasing in frequency. (For instance, the black bear spotted in a Seymour tree Tuesday.)

This is the time of year when Missouriís black bears are actively foraging and, in the cases of some females, offspring-raising. Male black bears can weigh up to 900 pounds, but normal size for a healthy adult male in Missouri is 200-400 pounds; females 100-200 pounds.

Black bears ranged across much of Missouri in pre-settlement times. As the state became settled, Missouriís black bear population began to dwindle. They were shot for their meat and because of the market for bear grease. By the latter 1800s, unregulated hunting and habitat destruction had diminished Missouriís bear population to occasional sightings in remote parts of the state.

But the black bearsí story in Missouri wasnít finished. From 1958 to 1968, Arkansas trapped 254 black bears from areas in the northern U.S. and Canada and relocated them to Arkansas to join a few wild black bears thought to be still roaming the countryside. This population took hold and soon, wandering bears from Arkansas began appearing in Missouri.

Black bears are generally docile creatures and, under most circumstances pose no threat to people. However, they are inquisitive and intelligent and thatís what can get them into trouble. Like any wild animal, black bears are constantly searching for their next meal. Most problems people have with bears come from them raiding campgrounds, garbage bins, orchards and beehives. The trouble can be compounded when bears are purposely fed by people. If a bear visits an area and is rewarded with food, you can bet heíll return. Though they are generally not aggressive, they are very powerful and can cause substantial damage to buildings, trailers, vehicles and just about anything else in their way as they search for food.

So, the message is simple: Donít give bears a reason to come to your home or farm and they probably wonít ó or at least they wonít stay and become a problem.

More information about black bears in Missouri can be found at your local Missouri Department of Conservation office or at www.missouriconservation.org

Francis Skalicky is the media specialist for the Missouri Department of Conservationís Southwest Region. For more information about conservation issues, call 417-895-6880.